Watch: The 'huge moment' that could decide Serie A title race between Napoli and Inter - but was it a foul?
Updated 19/05/2025 at 14:25 GMT+1
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There was drama galore in Serie A on Sunday evening as Inter conceded a late penalty to draw against Lazio, while leaders Napoli were denied a penalty following a VAR review. The decision in Napoli's draw against Parma was made following a foul in the build-up. The results mean Napoli lead Serie A by a point heading into their final game on Friday, May 23.
Was it a foul? Napoli have late VAR penalty overturned in 'huge moment' in title race
Video credit: TNT Sports
The Serie A title race is set to go down to the final day after a "huge moment" that denied Napoli the chance to clinch the championship.
On a night of incredible late drama, Inter conceded a 90th-minute penalty that saw them draw 2-2 with Lazio and miss the chance to go top of the table.
Lazio’s equaliser meant that if Napoli could find a stoppage-time winner against Parma they would be right on the brink of winning the title.
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It looked like the chance had presented itself when David Neres went down in the box under a challenge and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
However, after a lengthy VAR review, the referee overturned the decision due to a foul in the build-up by Napoli’s Giovanni Simeone.
TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton described it as a "huge moment", while co-commentator Nigel Spackman said he wasn't convinced by either decision.
"I don’t think that challenge is a foul, but it gives him [the referee] an out," said Spackman.
"I didn’t think it was a penalty, it’s really soft...so maybe that has balanced it up."
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Highlights: Napoli held by Parma but remain in control of Serie A title race
Video credit: TNT Sports
- Vote: Who will win Serie A title?
- Conte sent off as Napoli held by Parma
- Pedro's late penalty denies Inter victory
Despite the penalty decision not going their way, Napoli still have their destiny in their own hands.
They lead Serie A by a point and know a win against 14th-placed Cagliari on the final day will seal the title ahead of Inter, who finish against Cesc Fabregas' in-form Como.
Both matches will be played at 7.45pm UK time on Friday, May 23.
Reflecting on the dramatic end to Sunday’s action, Napoli keeper Alex Meret said: "The last minutes were a rollercoaster, I saw the bench with sad faces, then luckily Lazio equalised and we tried until the end to take the lead.
"We know how to endure and fight, and we must remember where we started from, which should fill us with pride."
Napoli head coach Antonio Conte will not be in the dugout for the final match after he was shown a red card following a heated exchange with Parma counterpart Cristian Chivu.
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Ice-cool Pedro slots home penalty as Lazio snatch draw against Inter
Video credit: TNT Sports
Conte admitted afterwards to being "exhausted" after a "very difficult" season.
"It is certainly the most difficult season of my career," Conte said after the match..Â
"I gave everything, I went beyond my limits. I also know I am exhausted, I’m just about reaching the end of this season. Napoli is wonderful for the passion and enthusiasm, but it also brings with it demands and expectations that are often higher than the realistic capabilities.
"We are close to the Scudetto, but we still have to take that final step. It will be taken on our home turf, with the support of our fans. It is a very difficult campaign, we have achieved what we wanted to do, which was to trouble the leaders to the end.Â
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Antonio Conte in touchline row that saw him sent off during Parma v Napoli.
Image credit: Getty Images
"We have been at the top for a long time, despite a season full of difficulties, but we never complained, we kept going and we are right there to achieve something unthinkable and historic for Napoli."
Watch and stream the Serie A final weekend live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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